Stoddard, Jason

Artist Statement

As a self taught artisan, each piece in my display is designed and executed by my hand, from the first wire cut to the final buffing and cleaning. In my work I choose to present the finest of natural, semi-precious gemstones and truly exotic minerals. Forgoing the use of solder, glue or other electric/ mechanical aids, one is initially struck by the limitations of this craft. Probing deeper, the craftsman finds opportunity for expression in the simplest terms; line, space and color. Perhaps one of the oldest methods of jewelry construction, traditional wire craft uses only small hand tools to achive a graceful, elegant presentation of the wondrous and varied gemstones of the earth.